Abstract: A lymphatic pump apparatus for use under the thoracic cage of a human patient in a supine position. The apparatus comprises a mat which supports a pair of longitudinal lifting members positioned to be parallel to and on opposite sides of the spine under the angle of the ribs. The apparatus provides intermittent rib cage excursion, or anterior displacement of the ribs, to assist and increase lymphatic flow. Enhancement of lymphatic flow is beneficial in numerous disease states characterized by capillary leak and abnormal excursion of fluids and proteins into the interstitial spaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable device comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to and supported by an inflatable bladder of an inflatable device. The fluid controller may be located in a compartment, and the compartment may be within the profile of the bladder. The inflatable device may be a single bladder mattress or a dual bladder mattress. The inflatable device may include a heater or an articulation device. The inflatable device may be multi-positional device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

Abstract: A support pillow comprises an inflatable pillow body having an interior that is adapted to be filled with a fluid to inflate the pillow body, a top side, a bottom side, and at least one wall disposed in the interior and that connects the top side to the bottom side to facilitate flattening of the top and the bottom sides when the pillow body is inflated. The pillow body further comprises a medial region and first and second opposing arms extending from the medial region, with the arms having respective first and second end portions remote from the medial region. Further, the cantilever arms are curved about a vertical axis, and the cantilever arms and medial region cooperate to define an open well.

Abstract: A neck supporting cushion construction (10) including an elongated strap member (20) provided with a pair of cooperating fasteners (21) (22) wherein, the strap member (20) is dimensioned to be slidably received in a pair of opposed apertures (43) (43) formed in the rear portion of a pair of circular end panels (42) on a generally cylindrical fabric cover (40) dimensioned to receive a generally cylindrical sealed fabric envelope (31) containing a quantity of particulate material (32) such as buckwheat hulls or the like; wherein, the sealed fabric envelope (31) is introduced into the interior of the cover member (40) via an elongated zippered closure (44) hidden by a flap panel (45).

Abstract: A pillow for supporting the head of user when the user is laying on their stomach. The pillow includes a body member defining an annular bore whereby the body member is substantially toroidal shaped. The body member is designed for supporting the head of the user whereby the annular bore is for receiving a face of the user when the user is laying face down. The body member has a plurality of ventilating bores extending through the body member. Each of the ventilating bores extends into the annular bore whereby the ventilating bores are designed for permitting air to flow to the user when the face of the user is positioned in the annular bore.

Abstract: A contoured pillow includes a top, a bottom, a front, a back and opposite sides. The front slopes forwardly from bottom-to-top and changes laterally in depth from side-to-side for cradling and supporting the shoulder. A neck support extension projects upwardly from the top and front and provides enhanced neck support due to the sloping configuration of the front. The top includes a recess forming a face relief pocket, right and left jaw relief areas, right and left airways extending from the jaw relief areas to the sides and a cranial support ridge. The pillow is molded from memory foam with thermally responsive characteristic for shaping itself to a particular user in conjunction with the generally concave geometry designed to give way to a generally spherical facial structure.

Abstract: The air filled therapeutic pillow allows the user to adjust the height or firmness of the pillow to suit their tastes or needs. It can be easily broken down and transported to provide a traveler with comfortable sleep away from home.

Abstract: An inflatable, disposable pillow which can be conveniently carried and stowed by users in a deflated state, and used as a comfortable, clean pillow in an inflated state. The inflatable pillow includes a single folded sheet or two sheets sealed together to form side walls. A flat self-sealing valve comprising two sheets of flexible material is placed between the sidewalls. The sheet or sheets may be comprised of multiple plies, with an outermost ply being an absorbent material. Alternatively, an absorbent cover may be attached to the outermost surface of at least one side of the pillow.

Abstract: An air cell pillow includes an air cushion and a cover. The air cushion is encased by a cover that has a top, bottom and four side panels arranged generally in a box shape. The top and bottom panels each have a first thickness and the side panels each have a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The first thickness provides a smooth, continuous surface atop the independent air cells of the cushion and the second thickness allowing the pillow to readily collapse upon application of a load to the top and bottom panels. The air cushion has separate zones that may be independently adjusted to vary the resiliency in each zone. The cushion has a base sheet and a top sheet. The top sheet is molded in the form of a plurality of air cells that are secured to and extend outwardly from the base sheet.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a collapsible outdoor pillow structure, the said structure consisting of an inflatable bag and resilient body affixed onto its surface, wherein air can be admitted into and released from the said inflatable bag such that following the release of air from the said bag, a fastening component at one end of a pillow cloth casing bottom surface is attached to a fastening component along one side of a folding sack and the said pillow is rolled up in the said folding sack; after the fastening component along the rear surface of one side of the said folding sack is attached to another fastening component along the front surface at the other side, cords at the two ends of the folding sack are pulled to achieve the objective of conveniently carrying the said folding sack and the pillow outdoors.

Abstract: A postural health pillow comprising a three dimensionally rectangular outer casing which holds at least two discretely, proportionately filled casings/chambers. The bottom casing is filled with a sufficient quantity of grain hulls, or flowable particles filling, to elevate the head for proper spinal alignment for side sleeping and provide conforming support for the neck. The top casing is filled with a soft, compressible material, such as wool or down, to cushion the user's face and ear from the texture of the grain component and provide greater comfort. An aperture in the grain-filled casing allows the user to adjust the volume of fill for customizable sizing in fine increments. An opening in at least one end of the outer casing provides access for redirecting the fill in the bottom chamber to a position of maximum comfort, while in use, and fluffing the top component as required.

Abstract: An improved adjustable pillow includes a first pillow body which has a first opening and a second pillow body disposed at a selected location in the first opening. The first and second pillow bodies have a plurality of stuffing materials held therein. User may adjust the pillow to a height and curvature desired by shuffling the stuffing materials between the first and second pillow body and then wrap and fold the second pillow body to form a stable state for use. The second pillow body may be used to support user's neck to conform ergonomics and to enable the user to get most comfortable sleep.

Abstract: An inflatable beach pillow is provided with a water compartment that can be filled to anchor the pillow in place, and also has a sand pocket that can alternatively be filled with sand to serve as a weighting material. The sand pocket will slip over the back of a chair to allow the inflatable pillow to serve as a headrest.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow comprising a first layer comprising a top sheet of material and a bottom sheet of material welded together so as to form a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other. A second layer comprising a top sheet of material and a bottom sheet of material are also welded together so as to form a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other. The first and the second layers are welded together such that the first and the second layers are in fluid communication with each other at one or more openings in the first and the second layers.

Abstract: A support pillow comprises an inflatable pillow body having an interior that is adapted to be filled with a fluid to inflate the pillow body, a top side, a bottom side, and at least one wall disposed in the interior and that connects the top side to the bottom side to facilitate flattening of the top and the bottom sides when the pillow body is inflated. The pillow body further comprises a medial region and first and second opposing arms extending from the medial region, with the arms having respective first and second end portions remote from the medial region. Further, the cantilever arms are curved about a vertical axis, and the cantilever arms and medial region cooperate to define an open well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure adjustable pillow, comprising a chamber made of an impermeable material and a cover member. The chamber is defined by a first direction, wherein the internal portion contains fluids. The chamber has three areas, and each area being not connected. Each area contains three sealed sacs along the first direction. Each sac is not linked and is provided according to a general shape of a head. Each sac has a valve. The cover member encloses the chamber. A user is allowed to adjust the amount the fluid in each sac, so as to adjust the pressure received by user's head to designated strength when the user sleeps on the user's side or in face-up position.

Abstract: An inflatable head support comprising: a pair of spaced apart air cushions; an interconnecting member between the cushions, wherein each cushion is formed from at least one cushioning part rolled or folded over itself and fixed, in use, in place.

Abstract: A flexible, crescent shaped pillow to assist mothers to maintain an anatomically correct alignment between mouth and nipple while breast feeding. This alignment is a key factor in ensuring optimum flow of milk. The pillow is both highly flexible and supportive. These are the key features that make it an effective aide to breast feeding mothers. These properties are achieved through the use of a low density bead filling which can shift and flow within the casing, thus providing the correct support where it is needed. The pillow is designed to be used while feeding in a variety of positions and from either breast. Use of the pillow also reduces fatigue and stress for both baby and mother while nursing. The bead filling allows for the passage of air and liquids through the pillow. This contributes to increased safety in terms of reduced risk of suffocation. and less opportunity for the growth of mold and bacteria.

Abstract: A travel pillow designed specifically for commercial airline travel is disclosed. The unique feature of this travel pillow is that it is designed to provide support from the front rather than the back. It essentially allows the user to lean forward effortlessly, place the head down and sleep without worrying about the head flopping forward as with any pillow designed to support the back of the head. The pillow consists of a large, firm but soft object comprising about 1.5 cubic feet, sized and shaped to fit on the food service tray available with any airline seat, and includes a platform for placing a typical airline pillow on top.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bag is disclosed which includes an inflatable member integrated therewith such that the bag may be used as both a carrying device and a cushioning device. The bag is provided a pocket on at least one side thereof which pocket is configured to removably hold the inflatable member. The inflatable member is useful as a pillow both when held inside of the pocket and when attached to a chair or other device outside of the pocket. A receptacle configured to hold a beverage container is optionally provided adjacent the pocket enabling easy access by the bag user.

Abstract: An improved pillow consisting of a curved plate, a cushion having a thin middle portion and thick end portions and which may optionally consists of at least one inflatable air bag, and a fabric which encloses the cushion and the curved plate; the curved plate optionally consisting of at least two curved segment plates linked together by at least another curved plate; an improved pillow having an upper surface which has a valley in the center and a peak at each end.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inflatable device or a body support device, and, specifically, to an inflatable device including two or more fluid chambers. One embodiment of the device includes a first fluid chamber comprising a first outlet, and a second fluid chamber comprising an inlet, wherein the second fluid chamber is fluidly connected to the first fluid chamber by a one way valve arranged to allow fluid to pass from the second fluid chamber to the first fluid chamber. The invention is also directed to a method of providing adjustable support.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow for use with a halo-type head immobilization brace having a generally circular head-encircling member secured to a patient's head and a plurality of post members extending from the head-encircling member. The inflatable pillow includes a flexible, generally rectangular base portion, a generally oval inflatable bladder portion connected to the base portion, and means for removably securing the base portion to the post members. The bladder portion is inflatable to expand to fit snugly between the patient's head and the head-encircling member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable, inflatable surface comfort device to be used with shaped body support devices. The surface comfort device comprises an inflatable bladder having a shape and size to substantially cover at least one support surface of a shaped body support device so as to conform to and provide a comfort layer to the body support device. According to one embodiment, a self-sealing valve is coupled to a port of the inflatable bladder, and is constructed and arranged to enable all of inflation, deflation, and comfort control of the surface comfort device.

Abstract: An improved pillow is formed from an internal inflatable bladder having a filling and a lining secured thereto. A pump is secured to the internal inflatable bladder, inside of the filling or lining and a release valve is provided to release air from the pillow. The pump is easily operated by a single hand to inflate the pillow to a desired comfort level.

Abstract: A travel pillow designed specifically for commercial airline travel is disclosed. The unique feature of this travel pillow is that it is designed to provide support from the front rather than the back. It essentially allows the user to lean forward effortlessly, place the head down and sleep without worrying about the head flopping forward as with any pillow designed to support the back of the head. The pillow consists of a large, firm but soft object comprising about 1.5 cubic feet, sized and shaped to fit on the food service tray available with any airline seat, and includes a platform for placing a typical airline pillow on top.

Abstract: An air cell pillow includes an air cushion and a cover. The air cushion is encased by a cover that has a top, bottom and four side panels arranged generally in a box shape. The top and bottom panels each have a first thickness and the side panels each have a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The first thickness provides a smooth, continuous surface atop the independent air cells of the cushion and the second thickness allowing the pillow to readily collapse upon application of a load to the top and bottom panels. The air cushion has separate zones that may be independently adjusted to vary the resiliency in each zone. The cushion has a base sheet and a top sheet. The top sheet is molded in the form of a plurality of air cells that are secured to and extend outwardly from the base sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a face support device specifically for the purpose of facilitating surgery on humans in the prone position providing for the complete relief of pressure to the areas of the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth of a patient. The face support has a concave curved upper portion, a concave lower surface and a central opening for avoiding pressure on the eyes, nose and lips of the patient, while providing for increased support with decreased pressure and skin shear experienced by the patient's face in contact with the face support.

Abstract: An orthotic pillow (10) is disclosed having an outer envelope (11) formed by a top wall (12) and a bottom wall (13), and a tubular, cylindrical interior wall (17) which in combination with the outer envelope (11) defines a central compartment (19) surrounded by a peripheral compartment (20). An unidirectional control valve (21) is coupled to the interior wall (17) to provide a controllable fluid channel between the central compartment (19) and the peripheral compartment (20). The central compartment (19) and peripheral compartment (20) are filled with a fluid which flows from the central compartment to the peripheral compartment to conform to a user's head and neck.

Abstract: Geometric configuration transformable pillows are disclosed having two configurations: one, where the granular fill contents of the pillow are positioned in a first geometric configuration end, in one embodiment a collar end, of a pillowcase to form for example a horseshoe-shaped type of pillow enclosure similar to neck pillows known at this time. Alternately, an empty main body flap of the pillowcase may be released by a reversible fastening system and fill material allowed to move to a second geometric configuration end, in one embodiment a plain end, of the pillow so that two tubular end sections which formerly formed the collars of the neck pillow are now empty and can be at least partially everted and folded, rolled, or otherwise bunched up and captured by the now oppositely turned reversible fastening system within the pillowcase to form a rectangular-type pillow. It is expected that such a pillow would be used with organic granular-type fill materials, such as buckwheat husks (hulls).

Abstract: The Airwedge inflates and deflates for ease in use, convenience and storage.

Abstract: A support for aligning the head and torso. The support includes at least one first bladder containing a fluid. The first bladder is communicatively coupled to at least one second-bladder containing a fluid. When the user is in the side position atop the second bladder, at least a portion of the fluid in the second bladder is displaced into the first bladder by the user's torso. The fluid displaced into the first bladder causes the first bladder to raise the user's head when in the side position atop the first bladder.

Abstract: A tote bag having an inflatable device such as a vinyl pillow integrally connected thereto is described. The inflatable is attached to a side of the tote bag so that the bag con be converted for a head rest when the pillow is inflated. The inflatable can be attached along selected sides leaving a side open to form a pocket between the inflatable and the tote bag.

Abstract: An air cell pillow includes an air cushion and a cover. The air cushion is encased by a cover that has a top, bottom and four side panels arranged generally in a box shape. The top and bottom panels each have a first thickness and the side panels each have a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The first thickness provides a smooth, continuous surface atop the independent air cells of the cushion and the second thickness allowing the pillow to readily collapse upon application of a load to the top and bottom panels. The air cushion has separate zones that may be independently adjusted to vary the resiliency in each zone. The cushion has a base sheet and a top sheet. The top sheet is molded in the form of a plurality of air cells that are secured to and extend outwardly from the base sheet.

Abstract: An inflatable positioning device is provided. The device includes a pump, a tube extending from the pump, a valve intermediate the length of the tube and non-rectangular inflatable pillow connected to the end of the tube remote from the pump. The non-rectangular inflatable pillow is dimensioned for positioning portions of a patient's body during surgery.

Abstract: An improved pillow is formed from an internal inflatable bladder having a filling and a lining secured thereto. A pump is secured to the internal inflatable bladder, inside of the filling or lining and a release valve is provided to release air from the pillow. The pump is easily operated by a single hand to inflate the pillow to a desired comfort level.

Abstract: An air pillow includes a first sheet; a second sheet; gussets; and a valve adapted to introduce or release air therethrough. The valve is joined to the first or second sheet through high-frequency heating. The first and second sheets are joined together at peripheral portions thereof through high-frequency heating. The gussets are disposed between and joined to the first and second sheets through high-frequency heating such that the gussets are located in a head rest area.

Abstract: A portable leg and foot rest has an inflatable main body portion of flexible sheet material which, when inflated, forms (a) a major rest surface, (b) a bottom surface, (c) a pair of side walls that extend between the rest surface and the bottom surface, and (d) a rear wall that extends between the rest surface and the bottom surface. A first portion of the rest surface slopes downward from the rear wall to define a first surface for supporting a person's calves and heels, and a second portion of the rest surface contiguous to the first portion, rises upward from the first portion to define a second surface for supporting soles of the person's feet.

Abstract: Resealable, ice cube and liquid fillable, microwaveable portable pillow that has a single cavity, which is created by sealing together the edges of two separate pieces of laminated fabric material that are identical, including size and shape. The pillow has a resealable closure, or valve that is large enough to accommodate ice cubes, as well as to facilitate the ease of filling he pillow by means of opening the closure, or valve and submerging into water. The resealable closure, or valve is permanently attached to the surface of one side of material by a specific manufacturing process and, can be opened or closed by pulling the cap from the valve thus allowing the pillow to be filled and or emptied of ice and liquid. The resealable closure or valve also has the ability to allow steam to be released while the liquid is being heated through the use of a microwave oven. The specific laminated fabric gives this pillow increased durability thus allowing the pillow to be filled with hot or cold liquids.

Abstract: A support for aligning the head and torso. The support includes at least one first bladder containing a fluid. The first bladder is communicatively coupled to at least one second-bladder containing a fluid. When the user is in the side position atop the second bladder, at least a portion of the fluid in the second bladder is displaced into the first bladder by the user's torso. The fluid displaced into the first bladder causes the first bladder to raise the user's head when in the side position atop the first bladder.

Abstract: An orthotic pillow (10) is disclosed having an outer envelope (11) formed by a top wall (12) and a bottom wall (13), and a tubular, cylindrical interior wall (17) which in combination with the outer envelope (11) defines a central compartment (19) surrounded by a peripheral compartment (20). An unidirectional control valve (21) is coupled to the interior wall (17) to provide a controllable fluid channel between the central compartment (19) and the peripheral compartment (20). The central compartment (19) and peripheral compartment (20) are filled with a fluid which flows from the central compartment to the peripheral compartment to conform to a user's head and neck.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the head of user while the user is lying in a face-down position, a face-up position or a side position. The apparatus includes a head cradle with air holes and a pair of elongated dependent arms that can be manipulated to serve as a chest support, or a neck support or a head support depending on how the user is lying.

Abstract: A tote bag having an inflatable device such as a vinyl pillow integrally connected thereto is described. The inflatable is attached to a side of the tote bag so that the bag con be converted for a head rest when the pillow is inflated. The inflatable can be attached along selected sides leaving a side open to form a pocket between the inflatable and the tote bag.

Abstract: A pillow that includes an inflatable bladder surrounded by a resilient layer. The bladder may be inflated to various levels to achieve a desired level of orthopedic support. In some embodiments of the invention, the pillow may include an outer comfort layer of softer material than the firm inner core. Optionally, an integral hand pump may be included on the pillow for inflation purposes.

Abstract: An orthopedic pillow that comprises several components of varying densities, which in combination provide improved and more immediate comfortable support for the head and neck region, while enhancing the multi-alignment features for the spine, head, and neck of a user in back-lying and side-lying body positions, and do not require the user to endure a break-in period to allow the pillow to conform to the shape of the user's head. The pillow comprises a firm core comprising a first and second lengthwise edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a recess located on the top surface of the core; a layer of soft, viscoelastic foam located within the recess; a layer of soft, Dacron fiber located along a top surface of the layer of foam; and a soft, C-shaped layer of viscoelastic foam wrapped around the core, whereby the C-shaped layer of foam covers the first lengthwise edge of the core, the bottom surface of the core, and the second lengthwise edge of the core.

Abstract: A neck supporting pillow for maintaining a clear air passage through a user's neck while the user is sleeping. The neck supporting pillow includes a pillow comprising an outer wall having opposed side ends and a concave top side, and further includes an inner wall, an internally-disposed inner chamber, and an internally-disposed outer chamber being separated from the inner chamber with the inner wall and having an upper compartment and a lower compartment being separated by an annular divider; and further includes a plurality of support members which are essentially planar and made of fabric material, each of the support members extending at a slant from the inner wall to a respective side end of the outer wall; and also includes a plurality of valve member disposed in and through the inner wall to control flow of liquid or air between the inner chamber and the outer chamber.

Abstract: Cooling pads, mattresses, and limb-comforming sleeves reduce a person's temperature by evaporative and/or conducting cooling. An open cell foam pad defines an internal air flow passages proceeding according to serpentine or other desired routing. The pad is wetted, and a blower circulates air through the air flow passage and evaporatively cools the pad by removing warm water vapor. By contacting the cooled structure, the person is conductively cooled. The pad also employs evaporative cooling if water is permitted to seep from the foam pad onto the person's skin and subsequently evaporate. Another cooling device is a multi-layer evaporative cooling mattress. The mattress comprises an open cell foam structure having a person-receiving side and a base side. At the person-receiving side lies an absorbent layer with internal liquid delivery lines, and optionally having an outer film applied thereto.

Abstract: An inflatable cervical pillow formed of airtight thermoplastic material comprises a water chamber including a valve projected above the surface thereof, and an air chamber including a valve projected above the surface of water chamber. Pillow is curved about 35 to 45 degrees from the lowest front end to the highest rear end. The chambers are flexibly fitted each other. The air chamber has a corrugated surface such that water in the water chamber is operable to flow toward the corrugated surface of the air chamber. The invention is ergonomic such that musculoskeletal discomfort in the head and the neck of the user is totally eliminated after sleep.

Abstract: A supporting device (1) such as, for instance, a cushion, comprising a space (3) formed by a flexible envelope (2) and filled with a plurality of elements (4). The elements (4) in the space (3) are movable relative to each other and each consist of a gas-filled, flexible and thin-walled covering of gastight design, so that the elements are deformable for distributing a load over the supporting device. The covering of a number of elements is manufactured from at least substantially nonelastic material. These elements are each filled with the gas for 50-98 percent of their maximum volume and have a volume of from 10 cm3 to 100 cm3.

Abstract: A vacuum pad suitable for use with a head rest of a stretcher is configured to support the head of a patient supported on the stretcher. The vacuum pad has a non-rigid state wherein the vacuum pad is formable and a rigid state wherein the vacuum pad is non-formable. The vacuum pad includes side walls with top edges positioned to lie at an elevation above the head rest. The top edges of the vacuum pad provide a wrist rest surface that is formable when the pad is in the non-rigid state.